It is a truly Chinese culture discovery route from Beijing, to Xian via Datong and Pingyao city. All these cities were important in Chinese history and the many of the cultural relics recall you to its former glory.
In Dec. 2019, Beijing-Datong high-speed railway was open and brought these two cities within 3 hours by train. Departures at 8:40 and 15:30 fit travel schedule very well. If taking the morning train, then it allows you a half day in Datong to see the Yungang Grottoes.
From Datong to Pingyao, fast trains are available with a ride of 3 hours, passing by Taiyuan city.
From Pingyao Ancient Town to Xian, there are more train options, but easy to be sold out due to the high demand.
When your Xian tour ends, you can go on trip to the west of China following the footprints of ancient Silk Road, or turn to Shanghai in the east of China with 5-7 hours bullet train ride, or onto Chengdu in southwest with 3 hours train ride.
There are over 15 pairs of trains running daily on Beijing- Datong route, including 3 G trains at present. The fastest G trains are absolutely the best choice. Ticket rate keeps almost the same all year around, but costs vary a lot between different types of seats.
The normal trains (K, T trains) takes longer time and less comfortable, but cost less and can save you a night accommodation if taking the overnight trains.
Train No | Dep. Station | Dep. Time | Arr. Station | Arr. Time | Duration | Mileage(km) |
G2501 | Beijing North | 6:40 | Datong South | 9:02 | 2h22m | 338 |
G2505 | Beijing North | 8:40 | Datong South | 11:00 | 2h20m | 338 |
K263 | Beijing Station | 9:25 | Datong Station | 15:55 | 6h30m | 374 |
K615 | Beijing Station | 15:00 | Datong Station | 21:29 | 6h29m | 374 |
G2515 | Beijing North | 15:07 | Datong South | 17:35 | 2h28m | 338 |
K695 | Beijing Station | 23:32 | Datong Station | 6:05 | 6h33m | 374 |
The D trains are the best choices between Datong and Pingyao.
Train No | Dep. Station | Dep. Time | Arr. Station | Arr. Time | Duration | Mileage(km) |
D5367 | Datong South | 12:05 | Pingyao AncientCity | 14:58 | 2h53m | 369 |
D5375 | Datong South | 17:55 | Pingyao AncientCity | 21:17 | 3h22m | 369 |
There are couple of trains from Pingyao to Xian, but all are passing by trains. It is hard to book tickets during public holiday or Pingyao Photography Festival. If you would like to guarantee, pay a bit extra and purchase from the terminus - Taiyuan.
Train No | Dep. Station | Dep. Time | Arr. Station | Arr. Time | Duration | Mileage(km) |
D2505 | Pingyao AncientCity | 8:40 | Xian North | 11:50 | 3h10m | 486 |
D2561 | Pingyao AncientCity | 10:09 | Xian North | 13:02 | 2h53m | 486 |
D1958/D1959 | Pingyao AncientCity | 10:50 | Xian North | 13:42 | 2h52m | 486 |
D2529 | Pingyao AncientCity | 18:18 | Xian North | 21:26 | 3h8m | 486 |
D2571 | Pingyao AncientCity | 18:37 | Xian North | 21:40 | 3h3m | 486 |
Day 1: Arrival Beijing
Day 2: The Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square, Jingshan Park, and Hutong Tour
Day 3: Great Wall and Temple of Heaven
Day 4: Summer Palace, Lama Temple. Then board train to Datong in the afternoon.
Day 5: Full day visit of Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Monastery and Nine Dragon Screen. Take late afternoon train to Pingyao.
Day 6: Then visit a full day in the town for the streets, City Wall, Old Residences etc.
Day 7: Half day going out to the suburb for Wang Family Courtyard. Then take afternoon train to Xian.
Day 8: Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Wild Goose Pagoda. Then take evening train to Beijing or Shanghai.
1. Trains running between Beijing and Datong, Datong and Pingyao are all passing trains. Ticket availability for soft sleeper or rare. Early booking is always suggested.
2. The K, and number trains are comparatively less comfortable than T and Z trains. If budget allows, choose G, D trains whenever possible, especially those are allergic to smoking.
Beijing Travel Guide